Neymar Jr. Faces Indefinite Absence After Severe Knee Injury
Neymar Jr., the Brazilian forward and a central figure for both club and country, is scheduled for knee surgery after sustaining a serious injury that will keep him off the pitch for an extended period. Doctors diagnosed a torn anterior cruciate ligament in addition to a meniscal tear in his left knee, an injury Neymar described as the darkest moment of his career. Speaking in a post on social media, the Al-Hilal star and Brazil captain opened up about the emotional challenge of the setback, acknowledging not only the physical pain but also the mental strain that follows such a diagnosis. He stressed that he remains hopeful, relying on the support of his family and friends as he begins the long road to recovery. He also noted he will need to lean on his faith and the people who have stood by him throughout his career, promising to endure this new challenge with resilience.
The injury occurred on a fluke play that twisted the knee late in the first half of Tuesday’s match. Uruguay defeated Brazil 2-0 at the Centenario Stadium in Montevideo on the fourth day of the 2026 World Cup South American qualifiers. The moment sent a wave of concern through fans and team staff, as Neymar clutched his knee and was helped off the field on a stretcher, later exiting the stadium with the aid of crutches. A statement from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed that medical evaluations and imaging on the following day indicated the severity of the problem and the need for surgical intervention.
While the CBF did not publish a precise timetable for Neymar’s return, multiple specialists consulted by Brazilian media estimate that his absence could stretch from seven to ten months, depending on his rehabilitation progress and any complications that may arise. In his message, Neymar expressed faith and gratitude, telling supporters that he believes in renewal and asking fans to keep him in their prayers as he heads toward surgery and a long rehabilitation period. The message underscored his determination to come back strong and to continue contributing at the highest levels when he is medically cleared.
The injury marks a continuation of a challenging run for Neymar, who has endured a string of injuries since 2019 that have limited his playing time and disrupted his involvement with major competitions. His career has featured iconic periods with clubs such as Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, where he helped shape some of the most memorable moments in modern football. The current setback adds to more than 400 days spent on the sidelines across the past several seasons, affecting his ability to participate in key qualifiers, friendlies, and continental tournaments. The broader impact on Brazil’s squad involves adjusting strategies and depth in attack as players adapt to the absence of a player who has frequently been a source of creativity and goals.
Following the loss to Uruguay and a draw with Venezuela in Cuiabá, Brazil shifted in the South American qualifiers standings, dropping to third place with seven points, five of which were earned on away pitches. The results left the team needing to recalibrate ahead of upcoming fixtures as they contend with the challenge of maintaining momentum while Neymar recovers. The situation places increased importance on the depth of the Brazilian squad, the development of younger attackers, and the leadership role of other senior figures as they seek to keep Brazil on track toward qualification for the next global event. Throughout this period, the national team and its supporters have continued to rally behind Neymar, expressing hopeful anticipation for his eventual return to action and for the continued pursuit of Brazil’s footballing ambitions.